The Milwaukee Bucks play for their first NBA Championship since 1971, while the Phoenix Suns are playing for their first ever NBA title.
The Bucks are most likely missing superstar center Giannis Antetokounmpo for game 1 tonight, as he hyperextended his knee in game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. He was not available for games 5 and 6, but the Bucks were very impressive despite his absence winning at home and at Atlanta to close out that series in 6.
The Suns have been steamrolling the West and defeated the LA Clippers, though the Clippers were without their often injured superstar Kawhi Leonard, so it was easier for the Suns in the Western Conference Finals.
Here is the TV schedule for the Finals. All times Central.
Tonight, Game 1, @ 8, ABC, Milwaukee @Phoenix
Thursday, Game 2, 8 PM, ABC, Milwaukee @ Phoenix
Sunday, July 11th, Game 3, 7 PM , ABC, Phoenix @ Milwaukee
Wednesday, July 14th, Game 4, 8 PM, ABC Phoenix @ Milwaukee
Saturday, July 17th, Game 5 (if necessary) 8 PM, ABC, Milwaukee @ Phoenix
Tuesday, July 20th, Game 6 (if necessary), 8 PM, ABC, Phoenix @ Milwaukee
Thursday, July 22nd, Game 7 (if necessary), 8 PM, ABC, Milwaukee @ Phoenix
Final Analysis and Prediction
I contend that the Bucks are playing better basketball without Giannis. If he plays, great, but their passing, their shooting, their ball-handling and their free throw shooting is much better. Giannis misses a lot of big shots in the clutch and he’s a terrible free throw shooter at 53% in the playoffs. He turns it over at the exact wrong time in a game as well, usually late when the game is on the line. Six foot seven forward Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez (7’0’, 280) and point guard Jrue Holliday are more than capable of carrying this team in Giannis’s absence. My man, Skip Bayliss of Fox Sports “Undisputed” show which he’s a co-commentator along with Shannon Sharpe, said the Bucs looked like a better team without Giannis against Atlanta, but that was in a vacuum. I’ll take it a step farther than my Vanderbilt brethren and say there’s no vacuum at all. The team is clearly better without him. I’m not saying they won’t take him back, but I don’t see them needing him. Middleton, Lopez and Holliday are superstars, and Pat Connaughton, P.J. Tucker, Bobby Portis, and Jeff Teague are excellent support players who contribute quite well to the effort of winning big games. C Paul, DeAndre Ayton (6’11”, 250) and Devin Booker are super players for the Suns, but I like this Bucks team better. Michigan State coach Tom Izzo has said to win a national championship you need 3 NBA players on your team as starters. The same holds true for professional basketball, you need 3 superstars to win it all. The Bucks have that, and 4 when Giannis gets back. But they’re playing so well without him. Middleton averages 24 per game, Holliday 17 and 6 1/2 assists and Lopez is a monster on the boards, blocking shots and hitting key three points shots, and slamming it home on alley oops. I also like the Bucks’ support group on the floor. Giannis is an excellent talent, but he seems to mess up team chemistry. I like the Bucks to win the Lawrence O’Brien Trophy with or without Giannis.
Bucks in 6
Finals MVP, Khris Middleton
10 Responses
I do not follow the NBA but do follow your picks so I am with you. Go Bucks!
Thanks, Bama G!
I like it DW! I think I remember you picking the Bucks in the pre-season to win or get to the finals.
Thanks, WP! I picked the Bucks over the Lakers in 7 prior to the playoffs starting. Still bullish on my Bucks. Thanks a lot.
DW I tend to agree with your analysis. One issue on the Bucks is do they have the killer instinct. My man Barkley questions that. Of course some could say the same on CP 3. Maybe it’s the Bucks MVP who lacks the killer instinct and that’s why they play better without him. Either way agree on the winner.
They looked pretty stellar against a very good offensive Hawks team last week, MB. I didn’t have a problem with their killer instincts at all. I’m bullish on’em. C Paul’s a great competitor, too, so I’d have to disagree with that assessment by you and Charles. Thanks.
Agree Bucks will win it and I think 6 is the right number.
Thanks, D.
DW – Impressive that you were on the Bucks bandwagon when not many people were, and you stayed with them. I’m looking forward to a great series. The Suns coach has had to deal with a family tragedy in the last 5 years so I’m glad he’s getting a shot at the title, but you make a very compelling case for the Bucks!
Thanks, JBC!